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Bar / Bat Mitzvah

Beth El's award winning B'nai Mitzvah program is under the direction of Hazzan Pomerantz-Boro. The time of becoming B'nai Mitzvah is a sacred occasion celebrated by our entire congregation. At Beth El, we do our utmost to assure that the B'nai Mitzvah experience is a positive, nurturing, and deeply moving one. All children, regardless of ability or knowledge of Hebrew, are encouraged to go through the time-honored ritual of being called to the Torah as a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

Our children are tutored months in advance of their Bar/Bat Mitzvah date, supervised by our Hazzan and our talented and devoted tutors.

Each of our B'nai Mitzvah children learn about their Torah portion with the Rabbis and write a D'var Torah to share their insight on their parsha.

The students and their parents attend Tallit and T'fillin sessions with the clergy. These six sessions include breakfast, discussion, education, and preparation to help the child and parent gain a comfort level with the Siddur and the service.

B'nai Mitzvah and Beyond is a two-session class where parents learn the deeper meaning of being called to the Torah as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah; parents are invited to help their child prepare the D'var Torah.

The children are also required to participate in the 13 Mitzvot Program, where they broaden their knowledge of Judaism and perform acts of study, ritual, and kindness. Each child also selects his/her own special tzedakah project.

As their special day draws near, the students practice in the sanctuary with our Hazzan, where they hone their skills, expand their comfort level, and are encouraged to be "loud and proud."

If you would like additional information about our Bar/Bat Mitzvah program, please contact Flossie Baranoff or call the office at 856-675-1166.